Discover 10 Best Tips for an Online Interview to Get Your Dream Job

Interviews conducted online instead of in person have proven to be effective in helping employers make hiring decisions. It’s fast, efficient, and more convenient for everyone involved. For jobseekers, it’s important to perform well in online interviews to get closer to scoring that dream job.

What is a Virtual Interview?

The pandemic greatly transformed the way people work and interact with each other. One such outcome is virtual or online interviews, which are job interviews conducted over the internet via a video conferencing platform instead of in person.

An online job interview can save time and money and make the hiring process more efficient and streamlined. However, this type of interview can also be a nerve-wracking experience. Many applicants feel unprepared to enter an interview situation and overwhelmed by the technology they have to use.

How to Succeed in an Online Interview

The quality of your answers to online interview questions can be a direct reflection of how well you will be able to handle the role. How you answer online interview questions can also give hiring managers an indication of how well you interact with others and if you can converse in a professional manner.

Also read: 7 Unexpected Questions You Get Asked At Interviews (Infographic)

For instance, if you remain polite and engaging, and respond thoughtfully to questions, employers are likely to be impressed.

If you are presented with an online job interview opportunity, think positively about it. There are two aspects you have to prepare for: the interview proper and the technology side. Continue reading to get the 10 best tips for an online interview.

How to Prepare for an Online Onterview

Here are tips on how to answer online interview questions.

1. Prepare thoroughly in advance.

To gain an edge over other applicants, it is essential to prepare beforehand. Research the company, its industry, and top personalities. Understand the role you are interviewing for, and review the job description and any material the interviewer has already shared with you. This will help you form educated answers and emphasize your skills, strengths, and qualities that are most relevant to the company.

2. Stay focused on the answer.

Give a concise yet complete answer to the interviewer’s question. Make it comprehensive, in case the interviewer does not ask a follow-up question that will allow you to expand on the topic. Avoid bringing up topics that are not specifically related to the question.

3. Provide examples to back up your answer.

Give short, relevant examples and evidence from past experiences that highlight your achievements and skills. This allows you to make a compelling case for yourself.

4. Be concise.

It is important to speak at a good pace and remain focused on the key points. Too much unnecessary detail or beating around the bush can be distracting for the interviewer and weaken the impact of your answer.

5. Be honest.

It is important to be open and transparent when answering interview questions. Lying can be uncovered during an online interview and cause serious damage to your integrity. Demonstrate ethical behavior and be truthful about your qualifications, skills, and experience.

Preparing the Tech for the Virtual Interview

It’s crucial to also prepare in advance the technology you need for an interview, from hardware to software. Here are more tips for a successful online job interview:

6. Test your tech.

Find out what video conferencing app will be used. If you don’t have it, download it and make sure that you can open and use it. Try setting up a test session with a friend. Check to see if your headset or speakers and microphone are working so you can hear and answer questions audibly and clearly. Ensure that your web camera is working well. Make sure your internet connectivity will be reliable on interview day.

7. Look and sound your best.

If you have one, use an external webcam: you’ll have higher image quality and it’s easier to position. Otherwise, make do with your built-in webcam. Whichever one you use, position it above your eyeline and angled slightly downward for the most flattering angle. Make use of the video meeting platform’s built-in enhancers such as “touch up your appearance” in Preferences.

For the best sound, use a headset or a stand-alone microphone rather than your laptop’s built-in mic. Try to eliminate or reduce background noise (such as noisy pets, and chattering family members).

Your location is also important. Choose a plain wall or bookshelf as your background. Make sure your environment is clean, neat, well-lit, and quiet, with no clutter or visual distractions. You may also use a virtual background that looks professional – simple and elegant is best.

8. Wear business attire.

A button-down shirt and blazer always looks good and signals a professional demeanor. Avoid wearing white, black, and very bright colors as these will affect exposure. Softer, solid colors like navy look better on camera. Also avoid busy patterns such as pinstripes, polka dots, or paisley. Consider wearing light makeup or at least pressed powder (this applies to men, too) to eliminate shine and look more polished. Get a good haircut before interview day.

9. Be aware of your posture, body language, and eye contact.

Choose a comfortable chair that will only show the top half of your body and allow you to sit up straight and keep both feet on the ground. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer by looking into the camera rather than at their image on your screen. Keep your gestures to a minimum – if you wave your hands around too much or touch your face too often, tone it down. Rapid and jerky movements don’t translate well on cam.

10. Be punctual.

Enter the virtual room early (at least ten minutes before is fine). The extra time allows you to adjust for any technical difficulties you may encounter. While waiting for the interview to start, check that your sound and video are working.

Acing Your Online Interview

Before your interview, have on hand a printout of your resume and the job description, as well as a notepad and pen. If you have a list of achievements, skills, and qualifications that are not in your resume, have that beside you as well.

At the start, greet everyone politely and respectfully. Show enthusiasm and confidence throughout the interview. At the end of it, thank them for the opportunity to speak with them. You can also send a thank-you note the next day. Briefly reiterate why you’d be a great new addition to their team. For a personal touch, you may touch on a topic that came up during the interview.

#SEEKBetter Jobs that Set You on Your Career Path!

Use JobStreet’s Interview Practice Tool to help you prepare for your online interview.

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